Increased number of parties leading to more littering and noise
Litter on Putney Common. Picture: Putney Society
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In its regular newsletter to members, the Putney Society has made a call for more to be done to protect Putney Common.
There has been increased use of open spaces during lockdown and Putney Common has been under particular pressure. Large gatherings with gazebos erected and sound systems have become increasingly common.
As a result of more people using the Common littering and noise has become more prevalent. Fires and barbeques are being started which are not allowed.
The Putney Society has raised the issue with Stephen Bound, the new Chief Executive of the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators (WPCC), who said that, although people are requested to notify the conservators if they intend to put up a gazebo, there is no formal licensing system. It is understood that only around half of parties held on the Common have been notified in advance.
There is no byelaw prohibiting the playing of music on the Common unless it is causing a nuisance.
The Society praised the efforts of the full time ranger on Putney Common who it says does an ‘incredible’ job of keeping the area clean with the help of volunteer litter pickers but he is only there five days a week.
This is in contrast to Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath where the mounted keepers patrol from dawn to dusk seven days a week.
There is a 24 hour number (020 8788 7655) to ring if you see any antisocial behaviour on the Common and posters are being put up in the area to raise awareness.
The Society says it has been given assurances that one of the Keepers will patrol the Common during the late afternoon on Saturdays and Sundays if the Ranger is not on duty. It says, “While welcome, this is still not the level of patrolling that is enjoyed on Putney Heath and Wimbledon Common.”
We asked the WPCC for comment and they referred us to the response given by the Chief Executive to the Putney Society.
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August 10, 2021
